Miami Heat's Chris Bosh (1) is defended by San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan (21) during the second half at Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Sunday, June 16, 2013, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Miami Heat's Chris Bosh (1) is defended by San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan (21) during the second half at Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Sunday, June 16, 2013, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Danny Green shoots between Mario Chalmers, rear, and Mike Miller.

Danny Green shoots between Mario Chalmers, rear, and Mike Miller.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Ray Allen tries to shoot against Manu Ginobili.

Ray Allen tries to shoot against Manu Ginobili.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Danny Green shoots against the Heat as Tony Parker looks on.

Danny Green shoots against the Heat as Tony Parker looks on.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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June 13: Game 4 - Heat 109, Spurs 93

The Heat responded after being blown out in Game 3, by winning the fourth game of the Finals to pull even in the series.

June 13: Game 4 - Heat 109, Spurs 93

The Heat responded after being blown out in Game 3, by winning the fourth game of the Finals to pull even in the series.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Dwyane Wade dunks the ball in front of Manu Ginobili.

Dwyane Wade dunks the ball in front of Manu Ginobili.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Dwyane Wade goes up against Tim Duncan and Danny Green.

Dwyane Wade goes up against Tim Duncan and Danny Green.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Dwyane Wade with the ball against Manu Ginobili.

Dwyane Wade with the ball against Manu Ginobili.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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LeBron James hugs Dwyane Wade.

LeBron James hugs Dwyane Wade.

Photo: Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images

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Tim Duncan walks off the court after losing to the Heat.

Tim Duncan walks off the court after losing to the Heat.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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LeBron James tries to shoot against Tim Duncan.

LeBron James tries to shoot against Tim Duncan.

Photo: Derick E. Hingle / Associated Press

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LeBron James passes between Boris Diaw and Manu Ginobili.

LeBron James passes between Boris Diaw and Manu Ginobili.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Erik Spoelstra and Dwyane Wade watch from courtside.

Erik Spoelstra and Dwyane Wade watch from courtside.

Photo: David J. Phillip / Associated Press

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Chris Bosh blocks a shot by Boris Diaw.

Chris Bosh blocks a shot by Boris Diaw.

Photo: David J. Phillip / Associated Press

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Tim Duncan reacts after scoring against the Heat.

Tim Duncan reacts after scoring against the Heat.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Dwyane Wade is defended by Tim Duncan during the first half.

Dwyane Wade is defended by Tim Duncan during the first half.

Photo: Derick E. Hingle / Associated Press

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Kawhi Leonard tries to get past Mario Chalmers during the second half.

Kawhi Leonard tries to get past Mario Chalmers during the second half.

Photo: David J. Phillip / Associated Press

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Chris Bosh shoots over Tim Duncan during the first half.

Chris Bosh shoots over Tim Duncan during the first half.

Photo: Derick E. Hingle / Associated Press

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LeBron James passes against the Spurs during the second half.

LeBron James passes against the Spurs during the second half.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Manu Ginobili checks on Tony Parker who took a hard fall against the Heat during the second half.

Manu Ginobili checks on Tony Parker who took a hard fall against the Heat during the second half.

LeBron James #6 of the Heat goes up for a shot against Cory Joseph #5, Kawhi Leonard #2 and Tim Duncan #21 of the Spurs.

LeBron James #6 of the Heat goes up for a shot against Cory Joseph #5, Kawhi Leonard #2 and Tim Duncan #21 of the Spurs.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Spurs dunks against the Heat.

Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Spurs dunks against the Heat.

Photo: Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images

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June 9: Game 2 - Heat 103, Spurs 84

LeBron James of the Heat looks on during Game 2 against the Spurs.

June 9: Game 2 - Heat 103, Spurs 84

LeBron James of the Heat looks on during Game 2 against the Spurs.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Tony Parker of the Spurs drives against Heat forward Chris Bosh.

Tony Parker of the Spurs drives against Heat forward Chris Bosh.

Photo: Lynnde Sladky / Associated Press

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Heat forward Chris Bosh attempts a shot during Game 2 against the Spurs.

Heat forward Chris Bosh attempts a shot during Game 2 against the Spurs.

Photo: Lynne Sladky / Associated Press

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Tim Duncan of the Spurs posts up Chris Bosh during Game 2.

Tim Duncan of the Spurs posts up Chris Bosh during Game 2.

Photo: Lynne Sladky / Associated Press

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Tim Duncan of the Spurs attempts a shot against the Heat during Game 2.

Tim Duncan of the Spurs attempts a shot against the Heat during Game 2.

Photo: Lynne Sladky / Associated Press

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Heat point guard Mario Chalmers dribbles against the Spurs during Game 2.

Heat point guard Mario Chalmers dribbles against the Spurs during Game 2.

Photo: Lynne Sladky / Associated Press

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Heat forward LeBron James rejects a shot from Thiago Splitter of the Spurs.

Heat forward LeBron James rejects a shot from Thiago Splitter of the Spurs.

Photo: Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images

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LeBron James and Dwyane Wade of the Heat during Game 2 against the Spurs.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade of the Heat during Game 2 against the Spurs.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Kawhi Leonard of the Spurs is defended by Heat point guard Mario Chalmers during Game 2.

Kawhi Leonard of the Spurs is defended by Heat point guard Mario Chalmers during Game 2.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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LeBron James of the Heat puts down a ferocious dunk against the Spurs during Game 2.

LeBron James of the Heat puts down a ferocious dunk against the Spurs during Game 2.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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LeBron James of the Heat looks on during Game 2 against the Spurs.

LeBron James of the Heat looks on during Game 2 against the Spurs.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Chris Andersen of the Heat puts down a dunk against the Spurs during Game 2.

Chris Andersen of the Heat puts down a dunk against the Spurs during Game 2.

Photo: Streeter Lecka / Getty Images

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Heat guard Dwyane Wade pauses during Game 2 against the Spurs.

Heat guard Dwyane Wade pauses during Game 2 against the Spurs.

Photo: Streeter Lecka / Getty Images

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Spurs point guard Tony Parker calls a play against the Heat during Game 2.

Spurs point guard Tony Parker calls a play against the Heat during Game 2.

Photo: Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press

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June 6: Game 1 - Spurs 92, Heat 88

Tony Parker led the Spurs with 21 points as San Antonio took Game 1 from the Heat.

June 6: Game 1 - Spurs 92, Heat 88

Tony Parker led the Spurs with 21 points as San Antonio took Game 1 from the Heat.

Photo: Brendan Smialowski / Getty Images

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Spurs forward Tim Duncan protests a foul called against him.

Spurs forward Tim Duncan protests a foul called against him.

Photo: Brendan Smialowski / Getty Images

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Dwyane Wade of the Heat dunks against the Spurs.

Dwyane Wade of the Heat dunks against the Spurs.

Photo: Mike Segar / Getty Images

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LeBron James of the Heat passes the ball as Kawhi Leonard defends.

LeBron James of the Heat passes the ball as Kawhi Leonard defends.

Photo: Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images

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Heat guard Dwyane Wade jockeys for position against Danny Green of the Spurs.

Heat guard Dwyane Wade jockeys for position against Danny Green of the Spurs.

Photo: Lynne Sladky / Associated Press

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LeBron James of the Heat contests a shot by Spurs point guard Tony Parker.

LeBron James of the Heat contests a shot by Spurs point guard Tony Parker.

Photo: Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images

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Spurs forward Tim Duncan shoots over Udonis Haslem of the Heat.

Spurs forward Tim Duncan shoots over Udonis Haslem of the Heat.

Photo: Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images

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LeBron James of the Heat stands next to Spurs forward Tim Duncan.

LeBron James of the Heat stands next to Spurs forward Tim Duncan.

Photo: Lynne Sladky / Associated Press

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Heat forward Chris Bosh looks to pass off the ball during the first half.

Heat forward Chris Bosh looks to pass off the ball during the first half.

Photo: Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press

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Heat coach Erik Spoelstra calls out an order to his team.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra calls out an order to his team.

Photo: Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images

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Spurs coach Gregg Popovich makes a hand signal to his team.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich makes a hand signal to his team.

Photo: Lynne Sladky / Associated Press

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Heat forward Chris Bosh and Spurs forward Tim Duncan fight for the first jump ball of the NBA Finals.

Heat forward Chris Bosh and Spurs forward Tim Duncan fight for the first jump ball of the NBA Finals.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Heat players are introduced at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami before playing Game 1 against the Spurs.

Heat players are introduced at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami before playing Game 1 against the Spurs.

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Spurs players stand and wait for the start of Game 1.

Spurs players stand and wait for the start of Game 1.

Photo: Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images

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A Game 7 with more on the line than an NBA title

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By Brian MahoneyThe Associated Press

MIAMI — He is the best player in the game and this is the best moment in his sport.

Game 7, NBA title on the line.

“The moment is going to be grand,” LeBron James said.

And it might redefine someone’s legacy.

No matter what happens Thursday night, he and the Miami Heat, and Tim Duncan’s San Antonio Spurs have already won titles and secured a place in NBA history.

Now is their opportunity to elevate it.

The truly memorable teams won the hard way, and that will be the case for the one celebrating at center court this time.

It’s either a Heat repeat, possible only after James led them back from what seemed certain elimination in the closing seconds of Game 6, or the Spurs shaking off as gut-wrenching a loss as a team can have to become just the fourth club to win Game 7 of the NBA Finals on the road.

“As a competitor you love it, because you know you have an opportunity and it’s up to you,” Heat guard Ray Allen said. “We have a chance in our building to make something great. All of our legacies are tied to this moment, this game. It’s something our kids will be able to talk about that they were a part of. Forever will remember these moments, so we want to not live and have any regrets.”

Allen was on the court the last time the NBA’s season went down to the very last day, his Boston Celtics fading at the finish and falling 83-79 to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2010. That improved the hosts to 14-3 in Game 7 of the Finals — and no road team has won that decisive game since Washington beat Seattle in 1978.

Overcoming those odds, not to mention the NBA’s winningest team, would make this more memorable than the Spurs’ previous four titles, though this is a franchise that never dwells too much on the past or looks too far into the future.

All that matters is now.

“You know what, it’s all about just winning the title. It’s not about situation or what has led up to it,” Duncan said. “It’s a great story for everybody else, but we’re here for one reason, one reason only: It’s to try to win this game (Thursday). We have had a very good season thus far, and I think we just want to get to the game more than anything. We just want to see what happens and be able to leave everything out there.”

The teams trudged back to the arena Wednesday, some 12 hours after the Heat pulled out a 103-100 overtime victory in Game 6 to even the series. The Spurs, five points ahead with 28 seconds left in regulation, had to fight off fatigue and heartbreak, insisting neither would linger into Thursday.

By far the best game of this series, Game 6 immediately took its place among the best finishes in finals history, with everything from James’ triple-double to Allen’s tying 3-pointer with 5.2 seconds left in regulation.

It had close calls, debatable decisions, and the NBA’s best player at his very best when his team needed him most.

Games 2-5 in the series had been ugly, but that one was a beauty.

“I think — I know — that game will go down as one of the best finals games that’s been seen,” Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. “But I think this series will go down as being one of the most competitive, bizarre series that’s been seen. So this is what you pay for to watch. You pay to watch two great teams battle to the very, very end, and that’s what we’ll do (Thursday). It will be to the very last second.”

The Heat could become the NBA’s first repeat champions since the Lakers in 2010. James and Chris Bosh moved to Miami to join Wade a few weeks later and they are in the finals for the third time in three chances.

But playing for titles is more expected than celebrated now in Miami, and a 66-win season that included a 27-game winning streak — and perhaps the whole Big Three era — goes down as a failure if the Heat fall Thursday. Yet James said he doesn’t need the victory to validate his decision to take his talents to South Beach.

“I mean, I need it because I want it and I only came here — my only goal is to win championships,” he said. “I said it, this is what I came here for. This is what I wanted to be a part of this team for.”

James, Wade and Bosh are going for No. 2, while San Antonio is getting a second shot at what would be a fourth title together for Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. All their years together have given the Spurs’ trio the belief they can bounce back from Tuesday’s collapse.

The team went to dinner after the game, Duncan figuring that was better than guys sitting alone with their thoughts in their rooms. Parker and Boris Diaw discussed a similar situation with the French national team in the 2005 European championships, when they blew a late lead against Greece in the semifinals but then came back to beat Spain for the bronze medal.

“We just have to be positive and forget Game 6,” Parker said. “It was a great opportunity, but that’s life. It’s basketball and everybody will be ready.”

So will James, who was planning a relaxing night with family and friends Wednesday. He has the most at stake in the game, and when it’s over he’ll be either be a two-time NBA Finals MVP or a two-time loser in a Heat uniform.

“I want to go down as one of the greatest. I want our team to go down as one of the greatest teams. And we have an opportunity to do that,” James said. “Hasn’t been many teams to win back-to-back championships. It’s so hard. It’s the hardest thing. I said last year it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, winning my first. Last year don’t even come close to what we’ve gone through in this postseason and in these finals.

“So I’ll be there (Thursday) night. I’m going to give it my all.”

The Spurs have never lost in the finals, but they’ve never faced a situation quite like this. They won a Game 7 for the 2005 championship, but that victory over Detroit was at home. The last five finals that went the distance all went to the home team.

“I don’t really care what it’s been like for anybody else at any time,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “All I know is we have had a hell of a year and we have an opportunity to win a championship. That’s all that matters.”

Photo: Chronicle file photo

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The mid-1990s were clearly the glory days for the Rockets and they have two NBA championship banners to show for it.

The mid-1990s were clearly the glory days for the Rockets and they have two NBA championship banners to show for it.

Photo: Chronicle file photo

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After posting a 58-24 record in the regular season, the Rockets knocked off the Trail Blazers, Suns and Jazz en route to facing the Knicks in the 1994 NBA Finals. The series featured a matchup of superstar seven-footers -- Hakeem Olajuwon and Patrick Ewing. The first two games of the series were played at The Summit. less

After posting a 58-24 record in the regular season, the Rockets knocked off the Trail Blazers, Suns and Jazz en route to facing the Knicks in the 1994 NBA Finals. The series featured a matchup of superstar ... more

Photo: Chronicle file photo

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Rookie point guard Sam Cassell emerged as the series shifted from Houston to New York for games 3, 4 and 5.

Rookie point guard Sam Cassell emerged as the series shifted from Houston to New York for games 3, 4 and 5.

Photo: Chronicle file photo

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After falling behind in New York, the Rockets had to win games 6 and 7 to take the series. No team scored more than 93 points in any game of this series as two of the best defenders of all time were on the court in Patrick Ewing and Hakeem Olajuwon. less

After falling behind in New York, the Rockets had to win games 6 and 7 to take the series. No team scored more than 93 points in any game of this series as two of the best defenders of all time were on the ... more

Photo: Kerwin Plevka / Chronicle

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Rockets fans file into the Astrodome for a rally to celebrate the team's first NBA title.

Rockets fans file into the Astrodome for a rally to celebrate the team's first NBA title.

Photo: Chronicle file photo

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In your face: The Dream dunks on Patrick Ewing during the Game 6 win.

In your face: The Dream dunks on Patrick Ewing during the Game 6 win.

Photo: Chronicle file photo

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Hakeem Olajuwon blocks a last-second shot by Knicks guard John Starks in Game 6. In Game 7, Starks went 2-for-18 from the field as the Rockets captured their first NBA title.

Hakeem Olajuwon blocks a last-second shot by Knicks guard John Starks in Game 6. In Game 7, Starks went 2-for-18 from the field as the Rockets captured their first NBA title.

Photo: Chronicle file photo

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Kenny Smith, Vernon Maxwell and Robert Horry will forever remain in any Houstonian's heart who lived here through the Clutch City years.

Kenny Smith, Vernon Maxwell and Robert Horry will forever remain in any Houstonian's heart who lived here through the Clutch City years.

Photo: Kerwin Plevka / Chronicle

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Scott Brooks, currently coaching the Oklahoma City Thunder, was a part of the 1994 championship team.

Scott Brooks, currently coaching the Oklahoma City Thunder, was a part of the 1994 championship team.

Photo: Kerwin Plevka / Chronicle

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Leslie Alexander purchased the Rockets in July 1993 and by June 1994 he had already brought a title to town.

Leslie Alexander purchased the Rockets in July 1993 and by June 1994 he had already brought a title to town.

Otis Thorpe, left, and Hakeem Olajuwon sport their championship rings. A key member of the 93-94 title team, Thorpe was traded for Clyde Drexler during the 94-95 season.

Otis Thorpe, left, and Hakeem Olajuwon sport their championship rings. A key member of the 93-94 title team, Thorpe was traded for Clyde Drexler during the 94-95 season.

Photo: Chronicle file photo

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The Utah Jazz had the 1994-95 Rockets on the ropes, ready to knock out the Rockets in Game 4, but Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon both went off for 40 points to keep the series alive. The Rockets then went to Salt Lake to close out the Jazz in Game 5. less

The Utah Jazz had the 1994-95 Rockets on the ropes, ready to knock out the Rockets in Game 4, but Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon both went off for 40 points to keep the series alive. The Rockets then went ... more

Photo: Steve Wilson / Associated Press

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The Rockets knocked the Suns out of the playoffs in each of their championship-winning seasons, and both series went to seven games. There were many hard-fought wins in these games, including one overtime game each year. less

The Rockets knocked the Suns out of the playoffs in each of their championship-winning seasons, and both series went to seven games. There were many hard-fought wins in these games, including one overtime game ... more

Photo: Paul S. Howell / Chronicle

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Mario Elie (Junkyard Dog) was notorious for knocking down the clutch 3-pointer. The most infamous being in Game 7 against the Suns in the 1995 Western Conference semis with just over seven seconds left. After draining the three he turned to the Suns' bench and blew them the deadly kiss. less

Mario Elie (Junkyard Dog) was notorious for knocking down the clutch 3-pointer. The most infamous being in Game 7 against the Suns in the 1995 Western Conference semis with just over seven seconds left. After ... more

Photo: Richard Carson / Chronicle

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The Rockets knocked the Spurs out in six games in the 1995 Western Conference finals. Hakeem Olajuwon was a monster against David Robinson, averaging 33 points, 10 boards and nearly 3 blocks per game.

The Rockets knocked the Spurs out in six games in the 1995 Western Conference finals. Hakeem Olajuwon was a monster against David Robinson, averaging 33 points, 10 boards and nearly 3 blocks per game.

Photo: Howard Castleberry / Chronicle

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Hakeem Olajuwon took it to Shaq (in his third season) in the 1995 NBA Finals, sweeping the Magic in four games. It is noteworthy to point out the Magic lost in OT by 2 in Game 1, by 11 in regulation in Game 2, by 3 in regulation in Game 3 and by 12 in regulation to close out the series. less

Hakeem Olajuwon took it to Shaq (in his third season) in the 1995 NBA Finals, sweeping the Magic in four games. It is noteworthy to point out the Magic lost in OT by 2 in Game 1, by 11 in regulation in Game 2, ... more

Photo: ELAINE THOMPSON / Associated Press

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In Game 1, Kenny Smith hit a then-Finals record seven 3-pointers as the Rockets prevailed in overtime.

In Game 1, Kenny Smith hit a then-Finals record seven 3-pointers as the Rockets prevailed in overtime.

Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein / Getty Images

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Shaquille O'Neal's playoff stats weren't too shabby as he posted over 25 points, nearly 11 boards and almost 2 blocks per game in the 1995 NBA Playoffs when he met the Rockets in the Finals. Oh yeah, he also shot 57.7% from the field, .6% better than his 57.1% from the free throw line. less

Shaquille O'Neal's playoff stats weren't too shabby as he posted over 25 points, nearly 11 boards and almost 2 blocks per game in the 1995 NBA Playoffs when he met the Rockets in the Finals. Oh yeah, he also ... more

Photo: Christobal Perez / Chronicle File

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Robert Horry is a household name in Houston thanks to his deep range on the basketball court. Horry was as cold-blooded as it gets even though he was in his second and third years in the league when the Rockets went back-to-back. He would go on to win seven NBA titles during his 16-year career. less

Robert Horry is a household name in Houston thanks to his deep range on the basketball court. Horry was as cold-blooded as it gets even though he was in his second and third years in the league when the ... more

Photo: Howard Castleberry / Chronicle

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Thanks to a four-game sweep of the Magic, the Rockets claimed the second of their back-to-back titles against Shaq and Penny Hardaway. Once again, they won the title in front of the home fans.

Thanks to a four-game sweep of the Magic, the Rockets claimed the second of their back-to-back titles against Shaq and Penny Hardaway. Once again, they won the title in front of the home fans.

Photo: Christobal Perez / Chronicle

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Riding atop a firetruck down Jefferson Street, Hakeem Olajuwon and his daughter, Abisola, celebrate the team's second straight title.

Riding atop a firetruck down Jefferson Street, Hakeem Olajuwon and his daughter, Abisola, celebrate the team's second straight title.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Rudy T will go down as an all-time fan favorite in Houston for guiding the Rockets to back-to-back titles in the mid-90s.

Rudy T will go down as an all-time fan favorite in Houston for guiding the Rockets to back-to-back titles in the mid-90s.